Calling vs. Career: Finding Purpose in Your Work

What are the key differences between calling vs. career, and which path are you currently pursuing?

World-famous architect, Christopher Wren, was commissioned to rebuild St Paul’s Cathedral following the Great Fire of London in the 1660s.

One day during the reconstruction efforts, he observed three bricklayers. He approached them and asked “What are you doing?”

The first bricklayer replied “I’m a bricklayer. I’m laying bricks.”

The second bricklayer replied “I’m a builder. I’m building a wall.”

The third bricklayer replied “I’m a cathedral builder. I’m building a cathedral that will service millions of people for years to come.”

The same wall. The same work. Different perspectives.

Do you see your work as a job (bricklayer #1), an occupation (bricklayer #2) or a calling (bricklayer #3)?

What Is a Calling?

A calling is more than just work—it’s a purpose that aligns with your values, passions, and the impact you want to make in the world. People who see their work as a calling often feel deeply connected to their roles and find fulfillment beyond monetary rewards or recognition.

Key characteristics of a calling include:

• Alignment with Purpose: Your work reflects your core values and passions.
• Lasting Impact: You feel your contributions matter and benefit others.
• Intrinsic Motivation: The satisfaction comes from doing the work itself, not external rewards.

A calling aligns us with our need to matter and make a difference in the world around us. Our satisfaction, enjoyment, and engagement on the job is impacted by our ability to align our work with our purpose.

What Is a Career?

A career, on the other hand, often emphasizes progression, achievement, and external rewards. While fulfilling in its own way, it is typically associated with climbing the professional ladder and achieving tangible goals like promotions, titles, or financial success.

Key characteristics of a career include:

• Goal-Oriented: Focus on measurable achievements and milestones.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for learning and skill-building are prioritized.
• Extrinsic Rewards: Motivation often stems from salary, status, or recognition.

Calling vs. Career: What’s the Difference?

While a career is about what you do, a calling is about why you do it. Both can be fulfilling, but the difference lies in how they align with your sense of purpose and identity. Here are some key distinctions:

• Focus:
  • Calling: Purpose and impact
  • Career: Progress and achievement
• Motivation:
  • Calling: Intrinsic (passion-driven)
  • Career: Extrinsic (salary, status)
• Fulfillment:
  • Calling: Deep satisfaction and meaning
  • Career: Professional success and advancement
• Timeframe:
  • Calling: Lifelong connection to purpose
  • Career: Focus on stages of professional growth

 

Why Understanding the Difference Between a Calling and a Career Matters

Your perspective on work affects your job satisfaction, engagement, and overall well-being. Those who view their work as a calling often report higher levels of happiness, resilience, and motivation. But aligning your career with your calling is not always straightforward.

 

How to Turn Your Career into a Calling

If you’re wondering how to find deeper meaning in your work, here are actionable steps to bridge the gap between a career and a calling:

• Identify Your Values: Reflect on what matters most to you. What motivates you? What kind of impact do you want to have? Example: Do you value creativity, helping others, or solving complex problems?
• Align Your Work: Look for opportunities within your current role to align tasks with your values and passions. Example: If you value connection, focus on team-building or mentoring opportunities.
• Set a Vision: Define your “cathedral.” What bigger purpose are you contributing to through your work? Example: A teacher might see their “cathedral” as shaping the next generation.
• Seek Growth: Embrace learning opportunities that bring you closer to your purpose. This might mean acquiring new skills or pursuing roles that align better with your values.
• Help Others Find Their Calling: If you’re in a leadership role, encourage your team to discover how their contributions matter to the bigger picture.

 

The Balance Between Calling and Career

It’s worth noting that you don’t have to choose between a calling and a career. Many people find fulfillment by pursuing a career that funds their ability to engage in a calling—whether through volunteer work, passion projects, or mentoring others.

Are you laying bricks, building a wall, or creating a cathedral? The answer lies in how you view your work and its role in your life. Whether you’re driven by career aspirations or the desire to fulfill a calling, the key is to align your daily efforts with your deeper purpose.

Take a moment to reflect: What is the cathedral you’re building with your work? By aligning your career with your calling, you’ll not only achieve success but also find meaning and joy in the journey.

Book a free consultation with me to learn more about how you can help others find their calling.

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Thanks, and happy leading folks!

-Coach MJ | High Performance Leadership Coach